Look Out! Detour...

“Yes I make a difference every day - whether it is measured in a simple smile or being able to help diagnose a serious illness.  However that difference has to come from within - if you are not willing to put in the effort you will get nothing in return!!”

“Life is hard!!! Everyone has a story - it is whether you are willing to take the time to listen that matters.”

“Each change had its challenges but the rewards were huge. I learned so many things, which built on existing knowledge.”

These three quotes were taken out of two different responses that I just received in regards to my last article ~ Road Trip – Buckle Up.  There is absolutely no way that I ever could have said it any better myself. 

When putting together the last article, the only thought was how could I catch a glimpse of people’s raw emotion and really know how they feel so I could share it with all of you.  I’ve always thought that unless you are sitting across a table from someone, you won’t really know that a story has hit home without being able to see their reaction.  But as you can see from the quotes above, I was wrong, because in them lies that raw, often untapped emotion – and it is easy to see.  So I have to wonder why so many times we find ourselves searching for the answers that are right in front of our noses?  And why don’t we take the time to ask the people who undoubtedly want to share their passion and experiences with us?  And if this information is actually given to us what are we willing to do with it?

Let me tell you what I would like to do.  I am going to post some questions and I am looking for you, the experts, to answer them and tell me what you think and how you feel.  Everyone enters Healthcare for one reason or another right?!  I want to know what those reasons were and what keeps you here.  I am looking for you to open your heart and mind, share your insights and feelings with me, and we can forge an amazing path forward that will be something spectacular!

To be honest, this is not exactly the path that I had imagined for this process.  I had wanted to compile a set of articles that were to be the lead in for a big reveal at the Quality Symposium.  But after reading the feedback I shared above, I know there is no way that this can be a one man road trip (how fun would that be anyway).  And now I am so excited to be taking this great detour that will most definitely lead us to the same destination.  So my request of you is to have a part – let’s do this together.  I am willing to take the time to listen and am crazy excited to hear from all of you!

Now you may not all be the type of people who can just give your opinion without a starting point (and there are probably lots of people who love that about you!) so the questions that follow are your jumping off points.  Maybe you will send me an answer to two or three questions and think that’s all you’ve got, and the next day you will have an experience that is the perfect answer to another one of the questions that was asked.  Don’t hold out on me!  I can’t be there with all of you and this detour needs you!!

• Name
• Occupation
• How long have you been in Healthcare?
• Why did you choose the occupation that you have now?
• What would you say are the best things about your job?
• Why do you come to work everyday?
• What are your favorite things to do at work?
• What do you consider to be the most important part of your job?
• What part of your job makes you most proud?
• How do you contribute to making the patient experience better or what do you do to make a difference to others?
• Who is someone that you admire and why?
• If a child were to ask you what career to choose what would you suggest?
• If someone asked you why you were in Healthcare what would you tell them?
• Is there anything you would want to share about your experience in Healthcare?
• If you could say one thing to your fellow co-workers what would it be?

Whether you work in Sun Country Health Region or not, if you are or used to be a Healthcare provider I want to hear from you.  So please feel free to send your insights to lean@schr.sk.ca .